Tuesday evenings; 6-9:00pm plus two Saturday field trips January 20 through April 7, 2015

There are now five million fewer farms in the U.S. than there were in the 1930s and of those remaining, almost 40 percent of the farmers are at least 55 years old. Without new farmers to replace them, the future of U.S. farming is not at all certain. While interest in small acreage farming and ranching increases each season, many of these new farmers have few opportunities to gain the skills needed for success.

The award-winning Cultivating Success series of courses were developed to help fill that need, and make the connection between farmers new and old.

First in the series, the 12-week course Sustainable Small-Acreage Farming and Ranching will be held on Tuesdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm starting January 20, 2015 at WSU Snohomish County Extension's Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St SE, Everett.

Sustainable Small-Acreage Farming and Ranching helps participants explore the unique advantages available to the small farm and ranch owner. Sponsored by WSU Snohomish County Extension and Snohomish Conservation District, the course gives participants a broad overview of production and marketing options for today's small farm. Whether you are just exploring the opportunities available or already have an existing operation, you'll learn what it takes to create, sustain, and grow a viable small farm enterprise.

Weekly presentations include local growers, organizations, and university specialists with expertise in direct marketing, value-added processing, production planning, agronomy, livestock production, and more. In addition, two Saturday field trips will visit nearby farms to learn about different styles of successful small farm enterprises.

Course facilitator, Holly Thompson, is a Stanwood Angus beef rancher and WSU graduate in animal science and agriculture economics with an MS in agriculture education. Well-versed in farm economics, sustainable practices, and current market trends, Thompson also facilitatesAgricultural Entrepreneurship, the farm business planning course in the series and has worked for Northwest Farm Credit Services as a loan officer.

Class size is limited and pre-paid registration is required. Cost for the twelve-week course is $275 per farm for up to three people. To register, visit CultivatingSuccess.brownpapertickets.com or download the form and mail with your check.

Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office or to the WSU Center for Human Rights. Persons with a disability requiring special accommodation can request accommodation 21 days before training at (425) 338-2400. If accommodation is not requested in advance, we cannot guarantee availability on-site.

Registration Options

There are no active dates for this event.

Thank you for your interest in the Cultivating Success program. Contact WSU Snohomish County Extension to learn when the next series will start. 425.338.2400